BENDING BRANCHES Whisper 2-Piece Recreational Kayak Paddle - Lightweight & Durable for Lakes, Rivers & Calm Waters - Perfect for Beginners & Casual Kayaking

I rated this 5 stars because:- This is a great introductory, beginner-level paddle. I bought a sit-on-top kayak for my dogs, cuz that's the kind of guy I am. But El Cheapo kayak didn't come with a paddle. So snagged this one. Didn't need anything fancy. It wasn't going to be here in time for a given outing, so I splurged and bought a Werner Skagit CF which would be here on time. I was planning to buy a nicer kayak for my own enjoyment and was going to need it anyway. Skagit became my immediate favorite (duh) and this one was relegated to being "back up" paddle.- It got pressed into duty when a friend bought an inflatable kayak that came with a four piece joke of a paddle and it was marginally usable. We pressed the Whisper into service. If the inflatable kayak had not been a nightmare in its own right, the paddle would have saved the day. But, alas, regardless of how good your paddle is, you cannot propell a giant marshmallow in the wind with it. Ask me how I know.- Whisper got used again and again as a temporary paddle for inflatable-kayak-friend who bought a different kayak that did not come with a paddle. She has since bought a Werner Skagit FG paddle (notice a trend here?), but used this one in the interim. It's been a solid paddle. There's a reason kayak rental places use them a lot.- It's reasonably light for being aluminum. As a beginner, it's been a good paddle. Obviously, as one gains experience, etc., you're going to want something lighter. But this is not like a lead boat anchor. I don't find it to be unwieldy or clunky.This is a nice beginner/intermediate paddle. Be great for kids who might need something a little more sturdy and up for abuse.Not sorry I bought it and I bring it with me as a backup to my Werner.I also got it for $69, instead of the typical $99 which made it a nice score.